Ball Return Backstop and Conveyor Feed for Continuous Practice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball game practice methods require significant time and effort in retrieving and delivering balls, which can be inefficient and costly, especially for home practice.
Innovation Solution
A ball game practice apparatus comprising a backstop assembly and a ball elevating device with an endless conveyor and feeder mechanism to automatically collect, elevate, and deliver balls to a throwing device, allowing continuous practice without manual retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a ball-throwing machine is used for practice, then ball delivery capability is improved, but time and effort for retrieving and returning balls increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the ball-throwing machine with a ball retrieval system by positioning a backstop assembly directly behind the ball throwing device. Balls that miss the player are automatically returned to the ball throwing device's hopper, combining delivery and retrieval functions into one integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate manual retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The backstop assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the player and the ball throwing device. It captures stray balls and channels them back to the hopper, serving as an automatic retrieval mediator that prevents balls from being lost and eliminates manual collection time.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a ball-throwing machine is used for practice, then continuous ball delivery is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective barrier, a ball collection system, and an automatic return mechanism. By making the backstop multi-functional, the invention extends continuous practice duration without proportionally increasing complexity, as one structure performs several critical roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The backstop assembly uses a flexible covering made of mesh material that can deform to accommodate balls while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible design allows the backstop to adapt to ball impacts and maintain its ball-returning function without requiring complex rigid mechanisms.
3Productivity
If a ball-throwing machine is used for practice, then skill improvement efficiency is improved, but cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically retrieving and returning balls without requiring external intervention. The backstop assembly and hopper work together to continuously replenish the ball supply, allowing the machine to maintain operation without frequent manual reloading, thereby reducing maintenance effort and operational costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective continuous ball delivery for practice, reducing the time and effort required for retrieving balls, enabling effective skill development at home.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of endless belts is coupled between the first double spindle and the second double spindle, the pair of endless belts moving vertically with the motor in the on configuration
Implementation Method 2
The bottom portion is shaped to funnel balls carried thereon to the exit opening formed therein
Data Source
AI summary
A ball game practice apparatus for receiving and delivering balls. The ball game practice apparatus including a backstop assembly having a framework supporting a flexible covering, the flexible covering including a back portion with an opening and a bottom portion shaped to funnel balls to an exit opening formed therein. A ball elevating device includes a base, a framework extending vertically from the base, an endless conveyor carried by the framework, and a feeder mechanism coupled to the endless conveyor, the feeder mechanism positioned under the exit opening of the bottom portion. A ball throwing device has a hopper and an outlet. The hopper is positioned to receive balls from the endless conveyor and deliver balls through the outlet and the opening.